Arch pain

The arch of your foot is the area on the bottom of your foot (sole) between the ball of the foot (forefoot) and the heel. Arch pain is one of the common concerns related to the foot. This pain usually affects the ball and heel of the foot or can be isolated to the center of the arch. Arch pain can vary and be worse while walking or standing depends on the underlying cause of the pain. Sometimes the pain can be more intense in the morning just after waking up and weight-bearing.

Though arch pain is more common among athletes and runners, it might also worsen for people living sedentary lives.

Deformation and Pain in the Arch of the Foot

The arch of the foot is supported by leg muscles that attach to the foot, intrinsic foot muscles, ligaments, and especially the plantar fascia that extend the length of the foot from the heel to theball of the foot. These structures are basically shock absorbers, but if the strain on these structures becomes too great, they can become strained, inflamed and painful, causing pain in the feet, lower legs or knees. The pain is most pronounced when weights are placed on the leg or when the leg is pushed against the next leg. The pain from tension in the arches of the legs can become especially acute after sitting for a long time or waking up in the morning.

Who is Most Susceptible to Arch Tension or Strain?

People with very flat feet or high arches are most susceptible to the condition. Injuries are also common in middle-aged people who have been inactive for a long time before suddenly increasing their physical activity. Injuries are very common in runners. Some examples of arch pain are plantar fasciitis, posterior tibialis tendonitis, posterior tibialis dysfunction, and stress fractures.

How Do you Treat Arch Pain?

The most effective treatment for arch pain and tension is the use of orthotics (arch supports). Orthotics help prevent the arches from collapsing by distributing forces, thus preventing the arch from straining causing pain and discomfort. Relevant stretching or strength exercises and supportive footwear can also help prevent morning pain when the symptoms are most common and severe.

How to Prevent Arch Pain?

To avoid arch pain, it is important that you slowly build up your exercise routine while wearing orthotics. By taking these simple measures, you can prevent the discomfort of pain in the arch that can last for months. Low impact exercises such as swimming or aqua aerobics are good alternative exercises to do while your symptoms improve.